“Things Will Get Better” Gift Idea + Iced Strawberry Green Tea Spritzer Recipe
Bad days – or even bad weeks – can seem like an inescapable part of life. Not every is going to be perfect, but that’s ok. I know I sound like a greeting card when I say this, but things do NOT have to be perfect to be beautiful. Rainy days can be just as fun and beautiful as a sunshine-filled day with the right mindset, but believe me, I know from personal experience how hard it can be to see the beauty in the world when you’re going through a tough time.
That’s why I think it’s so important to reach out to your loved ones when you see them feeling low. A simple phone call, a sweet letter, or honestly just chatting on your bed with your favorite iced tea can make a world of a difference to a friend who having a rough day. Joy is out there, my friends, but YOU have to go out and find it!
While there are a multitude of ways to help a friend find their joy, I’m sharing one of my favorite gift ideas with you today that’s guaranteed to put a smile on their face. I like to call it a “things will get better” gift, and it’s totally customizable! Plus, I’m also sharing an amazing iced tea recipe that helps make ANY day better. Whether you’re chatting with a friend or just trying to get through the work day, my iced strawberry green tea spritzer recipe is absolutely delicious and might even replace your daily trip to the coffee shop!
“Things Will Get Better” Gift Idea
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to be going right? Now imagine if on one of those days, you received a surprise package in the mail (or an in-person delivery) from a friend filled with items specifically selected to help you relax. Wouldn’t that just be the BEST feeling in the world to know that even on what may feel like the worst day, someone is thinking of you and hoping for you to feel better? While I don’t think gifts are necessary to make someone feel better, they certainly don’t hurt!
This “things will get better” gift basket can be filled with anything and everything that will bring your loved one joy. I like to fill this type of gift with items that are relaxing and a little bit indulgent. Start with a pretty gift box or basket, add in tissue paper or loose fabric for padding, and fill the box to the brim with fun little trinkets. I added in a pretty jar of fragrant bath salts, a delicious-smelling candle (vanilla pumpkin- yum!), a hydrating facial mist, fancy soap, pretty bracelets, and two of my favorite lipsticks. Plus, I just had to include my all-time favorite Tazo Zen green tea and a gorgeous glass to use with the tea. For a finishing touch, write a thoughtful note sharing optimism and hope for your friend’s situation. A little bit of encouragement can help someone find their joy on even the darkest of days.
What I love about this blush pink and rose gold gift basket is that it’s filled with items that will help your loved one get through a tough day without diminishing what they’re feeling. You’re not saying “let’s pretend things are perfect.” You’re letting them know you’re there for them, things can get better, and in the meantime, here are some relaxing items to make you here-and-now a little bit better. A soothing bath, flattering shade of lipstick, or a refreshing glass of iced tea can work wonders on your mood.
No matter what you choose to include in your friend’s “things will get better” gift, the most important thing to remember is to be a beacon of hope for them. Let them know you’re there for them no matter what, and even if they don’t believe there are better days ahead, that you’ll believe it for them. Be a light to brighten their dark days, and I promise you, your efforts will not be in vain. Don’t forget to attach a heartfelt message with your gift box, and if you do plan on including a tea like I did, you might want to add in the delicious iced strawberry green tea spritzer recipe I’m sharing with you below.
I’ve also included caffeinated and non-caffeinated variations of the recipe, so I honestly think everyone will love this iced tea recipe featuring my favorite TAZO teas!
Iced Strawberry Green Tea Spritzer Recipe
Ok, so I’ve developed a pretty bad coffee shop habit over the past year. As a work-at-home mom to an almost one-year-old, I really need a little bit of caffeine to perk me up on tiring days. I’ve been drinking TAZO Zen green tea for years and years because I love the flavor profile of green tea, spearmint, and lemongrass in this flavor. While it’s delicious served hot, I’m a southern girl who loves iced tea. I normally make a large pitcher of green tea with lemon and honey, but the other day, I had a craving for something a little bit different after picking up a new box at Whole Foods. I mixed up a few things I had on hand in my fridge and created my new favorite recipe – iced sparkling strawberry green tea.
Guys, this stuff is GOOD. It is the PERFECT drink for hot summer days, and it instantly puts a smile on my face. On long work days, sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up to get through the day. This refreshing and seriously delicious iced tea recipe is the perfect way for me to reset my food and get an extra dose of energy!
Iced Strawberry Green Tea Spritzer
1 part brewed TAZO Zen green tea1 part strawberry lemonade
1 part lemon or lime sparkling water (or to taste)
optional – add chopped strawberries and sliced lemon or lime
Mix the brewed TAZO Zen green tea and strawberry lemonade in a pitcher and pour over ice. Add lemon or lime sparkling water over the iced tea according to your preference. Add chopped strawberries and sliced lemons or limes for a beautiful and delicious garnish.
If you prefer to drink non-caffeinated beverages OR just want another flavor profile to try, I highly encourage you to try making my iced sparkling strawberry green tea with TAZO Wild Sweet Orange herbal tea in place of the green tea. It’s a juicy infusion of orange peel, lemongrass, citrus herbs, and licorice roots that’s absolutely to die for on its own, but it’s equally amazing in this sparkling iced tea recipe! The finished product is just as delicious as the original but with an orange note that you’ll love and a pretty bright orange color.
Two other teas you could substitute would be the TAZO Passion herbal tea (mix of hibiscus, orange peel, rose hips, and passion fruit) or the TAZO Refresh Mint herbal tea (peppermint and spearmint with tarragon). I honestly think either tea would be ah-mazing in this recipe, and I can’t wait to experiment with making them into sparkling iced teas this week! All four varieties are available at Whole Foods in-store or through Amazon Prime Now!
While a sweet gift is always appreciated on a hard day, I bet your friend will enjoy sipping on an iced tea with you and chatting about life just as much. Choosing to find joy in everyday life is always meaningful, and it’s even more meaningful with a friend by your side!
If you’d like to try out the teas mentioned in today’s post, TAZO will be doing in-store demonstrations and tastings on August 18th at select Whole Foods. Plus, they’ll also be handing out $1 off coupons! Click here to find a store close to your home where they’re hosting a demonstration / tasting!
For even more ideas on how to use TAZO Zen tea, check out my friend Michelle’s post. She’s sharing the most delicious watermelon strawberry iced tea recipe!
